“No, I ain't mad.”
“You didn't come around. It's been a long time.”
Hunch had no explanation. They stood at the gate, each waiting for the other to go on. Jess turned half away and picked at a broken corner of the gate-post. Hunch watched her. There was something attractive in the poise of her figure, and even with her big hat on, enough of her hair showed to give an impression of its richness. She looked up at him.
“Ain't we ever going to be—friends, John?”
“Yes, we're friends now, I reckon.” Hunch hesitated; he was making up his mind to tell the truth.
“What makes you act like you do?”
“'Cause, well, 'cause there ain't no use patching up an old hull and calling it a new boat, Jess. Things is changed. There's no good saying I feel like I did, when I don't, Jess; and couldn't if I tried. You're a fine girl, and you'll make some fellow happy, but I'm afraid I ain't him.”
She stood looking down.
“Don't you see how 'tis, Jess? I'm just telling you the truth.”
She nodded? He held out his hand, and she took it quickly, then ran into the house. That was all. Hunch looked after her for a few moments, then he walked slowly back to the schooner.